Climate change is a phenomenon that is gradually getting the global attention it deserves. Major Oil and Gas operators around the world are steadily transitioning into sustainable operations and one of their major goals is to reduce methane emissions that have a significant impact on climate change. Through the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, many of the major Oil & Gas operators have committed to taking action on methane emissions. This includes a target set by the OGCI members in September 2018 to reduce methane emissions by a fifth by 2025.
While most of the climate change operations are related to reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, methane in fact has a far higher Global Warming Potential than CO2; a metric ton of methane will absorb thirty-four times more thermal energy than a metric ton of CO2 over a 100-year period and is therefore an effective greenhouse gas. It has been estimated that methane emissions cost the Oil & Gas industry approximately USD 30 billion per year.
Methane, like CO2, is released from natural and man-made sources. The main sources of man-made emissions are agricultural processes, waste and wastewater treatment as well as leaks, fugitive emissions and vents from oil and gas processing facilities. It is estimated that methane contributes 10% – 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
AIE is proud to be recognized as a global leader in methane mitigation by the Global Methane Initiative (GMI). GMI has released a video featuring the leading companies that took part in the Global Methane Challenge.
The Challenge video spotlights projects, technologies, research efforts, and policies being implemented around the world to reduce methane emissions and the outstanding results that can be achieved.
AIE provides service capabilities and expertise to operators. With the use of a staged process, from initial desktop reviews and use of infra-red optical gas imagery right through to development of action plans and long-term monitoring programs with KPIs, AIE takes a holistic approach to the topic of methane emissions.